What does this fault code mean?

[Bandit12]

Hi guys

Following on from my C5 braking/ESR warning lights I have hooked up the lexia and identified this fault code

"Permanent fault Electrovalve internal"

Although lexia allowed me to click on delete the error, the error code itself wont delete. Tried several times both before and after a BSI reset. No other problems with the car.

Although the dashboard is lit up like a Christmas tree the car drives fine and there is no difference I can detect with either the braking or the handling and the car is driving just as well as it always has.

Any advice is appreciated.

Bandit

[GiveMeABreak]

What year C5 is this - can you provide the actual fault code number and what lights are being displayed - we will need at least this info for a start - the VIN would also help.

[Bandit12]

Hi Marc, its showing the "STOP" sign, the red brake failure sign, the yellow "skid" sign and the yellow "SERVICE" sign.

It is also flashing up on the satnav thingy on startup "brake system failure" "ESR system failure"
VIN is VF7**************[VIN obfuscated, can be read by forum staff]**********

Many thanks

Bandit

[GiveMeABreak]

I think you're a digit short!

[Bandit12]

Oops try this VF7**************[VIN obfuscated, can be read by forum staff]******* (Copied from logbook this time and not car windscreen)

Bandit

[GiveMeABreak]

Ok, got it - I'll do some digging for you

[GiveMeABreak]

Ok, so I have the code now.

I cannot find anything relating to that particular message - do you have the actual Fault Code number?

Next, this would appear to relate to a stuck solenoid electrovalve in the ESP / ABS hydraulic block. However - this can also be an electrical / communication issue, so worth checking to see if any plugs or the unit has been disturbed lately. Has any recent work been undertaken on the brakes / callipers / Discs /or have you had any tyres changed? Always a good place to start if the problem has been recent and around the time the fault started to show.

Having said that a proper diagnostic will help confirm this and also allow some actuator tests to be undertaken. This will usually involve another person to rotate / shake the wheels whilst testing with the Lexia.
Hydraulic blocks are not cheap, so it makes sense to try and get it diagnosed first.

There have been reports of the wiring extension harness playing up. On conversion from left hand drive tor RHD, they extend the wiring harness and the connector can sometimes come loose as a result of passenger feet moving about over the years. It should be located under the front passenger carper, under the polystyrene covering - unclipping this and giving it a good clean with some electrical cleaner has been known to resolve ABS / ESP issues - so worth a try (but remember to disconnect battery negative first and leave the car for 3-5 minutes first. Follow battery reconnection procedure before and afterwards.

However, one thing is certain - whilst the ABS / ESP lights are on, the braking system will be in 'Back up' mode:

You will have NO safety systems in operation such as ABS, ESP / ESR / EBA etc - you will only have standard braking functionality - so please be aware of this - especially in winter now.

The fault will not be able to be cleared if it is a permanent fault - until the problem is resolved - and of course will not pass an MOT in this state with these lights on.

Anyway, a few pointers to start with.

[Bandit12]

Hi Marc. Thank you for all yr efforts n digging. Sorry but lexia never listed a fault code number. I did try actuator tests but I'm unsure of my success as I was on.my own n didn't jiggle each wheel. Where is the hydraulic block located? No recent work on brakes wheels or types but did have front pads professionally changed in July. I would've done it myself but I don't have the piston winding tool yet. I did change rear pads and discs last year. This fault popped up at beginning of November after brimming the tank on petrol forecourt. Ill lift carpets n check connection. Thanks fr warning on the drivability n yes I do want to get this resolved asap.
Many thanks
Bandit

[Bandit12]

Update - I can't find any loose wires but I have found the hydraulic block. I'm mindful that although in good condition she's only worth £500 but as I identify the exact fault myself I've booked car into dealer opposite me for a proper diagnostic. Ill then hopefully be in a better position to either fix or scrap the car.
Many thanks fr all the help n advice tho

Bandit

[GiveMeABreak]

Ok, there should be at least one, if not more related codes in Diagbox if all the lights are doing a Christmas tree. If it is a bad electrical connection the colder weather we are having now will accentuate this.

Fingers crossed on some good news and a cheap fix. Please do let us know the outcome.

[Bandit12]

Hi guys

just got my car back from local dealers who confirm that the hydraulic block has failed. £1500 including labour to fix!!!!! Although car is in good order its only worth £600.

I've had a look on ebay and found a few for about £25 which is much more sensible, couple of questions tho. Is this an easy swap and rebleed or do I need to use lexia to tell the car the unit has been changed? I am geared up to do most jobs and have changed and bled brakes, replaced trailing arm bearings etc.

Also will this fit?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Citroen-C5-0 ... SwEaBaCyuR

I've emailed seller and he thinks so but is not 100% as it is off a 2.0hdi and not a 2.2hdi

Any advice is welcome

Bandit

[GiveMeABreak]

I've had a look for you and the part numbers are as listed for your VIN (one part number in each of (1) & (2) will be for the part pre-configured - the other part is when VIN is specified on order - but you have at least both to search on.

I would suggest you get a matching one - don't mix the different types'
Click to zoom

[RichardW]

I think we've discussed this before, and there's minimal configuration required - like only whether ESP is present or not (or maybe that is the suspension pump....). I'll have a look and see how many different types there are.

[GiveMeABreak]

Yes the distinction is whether they have ESP and then after that for the Non-ESP version, whether it has ASR or not - so I think it better to stick to the ESP version as per the parts above for the 2.2

[Bandit12]

Fantastic guys that's great news. Minimal configuration with lexia sounds ideal. I'll follow yr advice n use part numbers you kindly identified to source an appropriate replacement hydraulic block.
I'll keep you posted with progress

Many thanks

Bandit